Contact

E-mail: lucyna.balcerzak@pwr.edu.pl
Phone: +48 71 320 20 10
ORCID: 0000-0002-3268-7818
Building A-2, Room 305a

Research

My research focuses on the interdisciplinary exploration of natural compound biotransformation, with a particular emphasis on terpenoids and their derivatives. I specialize in the use of microorganisms and enzymes to transform bioactive compounds, investigating their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and ecotoxicological properties. My work also includes the synthesis and analytical profiling of low-molecular-weight volatile fragrance compounds for applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and household chemistry. I apply advanced chromatographic techniques such as GC-FID, GC-MS, and GC-O to characterize chemical structures and properties. Additionally, I am involved in the development of innovative biocidal products and the translational application of research outcomes in industry-oriented projects.

Education and employment

01.2020 – Present Assistant Professor, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Poland

03.2017 – 12.2019 Research Assistant, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Poland

2011 – 2016 – PhD in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Poland

2006 – 2011 – MSc in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Poland

Training Period

2012.02 – 2012.05 University of Opole, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical and Ecological Chemistry, Poland Research and teaching internship as part of the program: Development of scientific and teaching potential of young academic staff at Wrocław University of Technology

Publications (Last 5 years)

Balcerzak L, Trusz A, Piekarska K, Strub DJ, Aquatic Toxicity Comparison Between Selected Flavour and Fragrance Aldehydes, Ketones, Oximes, and Oxime Ethers, Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology, 2025, 100659,  doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecohyd.2025.100659

Trovato E, Balcerzak L, Vidal C, Strub DJ, Fakhry HA, Dugo P, Mondello L, Gas chromatographic, sensory profile and biological properties evaluation of Egyptian Jasminum grandiflorum essential oil produced industrially by steam distillation, Journal of Essential Oil Research, 2024, 36(6), 321–332, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2024.2368020

Bacińska Z, Baberowska K, Surowiak AK, Balcerzak L, Strub DJ, Exploring the antimicrobial properties of 99 natural flavour and fragrance raw materials against pathogenic bacteria: a comparative study with antibiotics, Plants, 2023, 12(21), 3777, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213777

Balcerzak L, Surowiak AK, Groborz K, Stróżak S, Piekarska K, Strub DJ, Comparative evaluation of mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects of flavour and fragrance aldehydes, ketones, oximes, and oxime ethers, Toxicology, 2023, 490, 153510, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2023.153510

Balcerzak L, Surowiak AK, Adamowicz A, Kaleta M, Pieńkosz-Żagan A, Strub DJ, Evaluation of small combinatorial libraries of nitrogenous low molecular-weight compounds for new fragrance development, Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2022, 115, 339–344, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2022.08.017

Surowiak AK, Sowała M, Talma M, Groborz K, Balcerzak L, Lochyński S, Strub DJ, Cytotoxicity, early safety screening, and antimicrobial potential of minor oxime constituents of essential oils and aromatic extracts, Scientific Reports, 2022, 12, 5319, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09210-z

Balcerzak L, Lochyński S, Lipok J, Influence of monoterpenoids on the growth of freshwater cyanobacteria, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2021, 105, 5675–5687, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-021-11260-8

Surowiak AK, Balcerzak L, Lochyński S, Strub DJ,  Biological Activity of Selected Natural and Synthetic Terpenoid Lactones, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021, 22, 5036, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22095036

Patents and Patent Submissions:

Policht M, Feder-Kubis J, Balcerzak L, Strub DJ, Zastosowanie protonowych cieczy jonowych – salicylanów 3-alkoksymetylo-1-H-imidazoliowych – jako środki stabilizujące nanocząstki srebra oraz jako środki przeciwdrobnoustrojowe, Patent application P.450482, 2024

Policht M, Feder-Kubis J, Balcerzak L, Strub DJ, Salicylan 3-tetradecyloksymetylo-1-H-imidazoliowy, sposób jego wytwarzania oraz jego zastosowanie jako środka przeciwdrobnoustrojowego, Patent application P.450483, 2024 

Strub D J, Balcerzak L, Surowiak A K, Eterowe związki zapachowe i sposób wytwarzania, PL 243494, 2023

Lochyński S, Strub D, Balcerzak L, (–)-(1R,4S)-{[(2R)-2,3-epoksy]propoksyimino}fenchan i sposób jego wytwarzania. PL 222816, 2016

Lochyński S, Strub D, Skorupa L, {4-[2-hydroksy-3-(4-hydroksy-3-metoksyfenylo)propylo]piperazyn-1-ylo}fenylometanon i sposób jego wytwarzania. PL 218830, 2015

Lochyński S, Strub D, Skorupa L, Chlorowodorek N-benzoilo-N-1-(2-fenylopropylo)piperazyny i sposób jego wytwarzania. PL 213902 B1, 2013

Lochyński S, Strub D, Skorupa L, Kuriata-Adamusiak R, Terpenoidowa pochodna N-benzoilopiperazyny i sposób jej wytwarzania. PL 213888 B1, 2013

Conferences (Last 5 years)

Surowiak AK, Kołodziej A, Balcerzak L, Baberowska K, Bacińska Z, Strub DJ, Exploring natural alternatives for preserving cosmetics: essential oils as antimicrobial agents.  54th International Symposium on Essential Oils, 8–11 September 2024, Hunguest BAL Resort, Balatonalmádi, Hungary

Bacińska Z, Balcerzak L, Strub DJ, Exploring synergistic and antagonistic interactions: investigating antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory activity in the oral cavity. 54th International Symposium on Essential Oils, 8–11 September 2024, Hunguest BAL Resort, Balatonalmádi, Hungary

Strub DJ, Balcerzak L, Surowiak AK, Baberowska K, Bacińska Z, Olejki eteryczne i ekstrakty aromatyczne jako substancje aktywne w produktach funkcjonalnych, II Ogólnopolska Konferencja Bioaktywne Związki Pochodzenia Naturalnego, 9–10 October 2023, Trzebnica

Bacińska Z, Strub DJ, Balcerzak L, Natural plant extracts as antibacterial agents against periodontal pathogens, 53rd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 13–16 September 2023, Milazzo, Italy

Surowiak AK, Balcerzak L, Strub DJ, Raw fragrance materials as potential antimicrobial agents, 53rd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 13–16 September 2023, Milazzo, Italy

Bacińska Z, Strub DJ, Balcerzak L, Materials of plant origin as antibacterial agents towards dental pathobionts, Chemistry & Biotechnology International Conference, 22–23 June 2023, Wrocław

Balcerzak L, The effect of essential oils on the inhibition of the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, Chemistry & Biotechnology International Conference, 22–23 June 2023, Wrocław

Miłkowska W, Balcerzak L, Synthesis of new derivatives of indole musk and study of the inhibition of the growth on bacteria from Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species, 52nd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 4–7 September 2022, Wrocław

Bacińska Z, Balcerzak L, Natural fragrance raw materials as growth inhibitors of species Burkholderia and Pseudomonas, 52nd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 4–7 September 2022, Wrocław

Baberowska K, Balcerzak L, The effect of natural fragrances on the inhibition of the growth of bacteria of Staphylococcus, 52nd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 4–7 September 2022, Wrocław

Salaheldin F, Fakhry HA, Strub D, Balcerzak L, Trovato E, Dugo P, Mondello L, Comparative evaluation of chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) essential oil and absolute from Egypt, 52nd International Symposium on Essential Oils, 4–7 September 2022, Wrocław

Błaszczyk G, Balcerzak L, Essential oils as inhibitors of the growth of microorganism-contaminated vegetables and fruits, Biotechnology for Better Future, 12 March 2022, Wrocław

Baberowska K, Balcerzak L, The effect of essential oils on the inhibition of the growth of gram-positive bacteria of the species Kocuria and Propionibacterium, Biotechnology for Better Future, 12 March 2022, Wrocław

Bacińska Z, Balcerzak L, Natural fragrance raw materials as growth inhibitors of Gram-negative bacteria of the species Enterobacter and Klebsiella, Biotechnology for Better Future, 12 March 2022, Wrocław

Surowiak AK, Balcerzak L, Lochyński S, Strub DJ, Mutagenic, genotoxic, ecotoxic, and antimicrobial properties of low molecular oxime ethers, 51st International Symposium on Essential Oils, 12–14 November 2021

Surowiak AK, Balcerzak L, Lochyński S, Strub DJ, Low molecular weight oxime ethers as potential fragrances, Chemistry & Biotechnology International Conference, 24–25 June 2021, Wrocław, Poland

Awards

2025 – Highlighted patent applications in the Quatrus Program

2025 – Gold Medal at the Bangkok International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation and Technology Exposition on the occasion of Thailand Inventors’ Day

2023 – Award from the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology for an outstanding contribution to university activities

2023 – Bronze Medal for Long-Term Service, awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland

2022 – Silver Medal, awarded jointly with the team at the 16th International Warsaw Invention Show (IWIS)

2022 – Special Award of the Polish Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Employers, received jointly with the team as part of the 12th edition of the “Student-Inventor” Competition